Whistler Heli Skiing Ltd.

Have you ever dreamed of heli skiing in the mountains of Canada? Have you ever wondered if you can "heli” snowboard? Have you watched the movies and doubted your ability to do it yourself? Well, if you can handle the “blue” (intermediate) runs at your ski area, then you too CAN experience our fantastic high alpine powder!

Whistler Heli-Skiing is located in world-famous Whistler Resort in British Columbia, Canada. We take groups of intermediate, advanced and expert skiers and riders into the amazing mountain terrain that surrounds Whistler Resort. You can heli-ski or heli-board in the powder snow for just one day or go for as many days as your legs will take.

Whistler Heli-Skiing has been providing great powder experiences since 1981 and our goal is to provide an experience of a lifetime for our clients.

Traditionally the most popular months to heli-ski are February and March, when weather and snow conditions are generally the most reliable. The colder weather in January has often provided us with very good heli-skiing. In December the days are short and there are usually frequent snowstorms (we hope), but the heli-skiing can be very good. Late March and April offer longer days to accompany stellar spring skiing conditions.

Just beyond the ski lifts of Whistler and Blackcomb, minutes from North America's #1-ranked Ski Resort, awaits the ultimate high-alpine experience. Imagine carving through untracked powder, endless terrain and breath-taking scenery.

With hundreds of ski runs, there is a tremendous variety of slopes to accommodate all levels of skiers and boarders from intermediate to expert. The skiing varies from wide-open glaciers to beautiful gladed tree runs.

The heli-ski area is made up of several zones and is approximately 50 miles north/south by 30 miles east/west (80km by 50km). Your guide will select terrain within a zone according to snowfall, the weather, and your group's ability.

Our heli-ski guides have achieved their professional status through a variety of routes, including courses with the Canadian Avalanche Association and certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, the Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagne, the Austrian Ski Guide Program, the Canadian Ski Guide Association, and the BC Helicopter Ski Operators Association.

All guides must take avalanche courses; first aid certification; mountaineering, rope handling and rescue courses; and participate in the annual in-house training with Whistler Heli-Skiing. The guides have had many years of in-field experience. Within the guide staff we have guides who speak English, German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.

Bell 212 Helicopter
This twin jet-engine helicopter, with 1800 shaft horsepower, can carry a group of 10 or 11 skiers and boarders, depending on weight, plus the guide and the pilot. You will be amazed by the size, power, and agility of this workhorse of the Canadian heli-ski industry.

 

Bell 407 Helicopter
This very modern, single jet-engine, four-bladed rotor helicopter has real performance - very fast, very agile, with a tremendous climbing capability. It can move a group of 5 skiers or boarders, plus the guide and the pilot very quickly around the backcountry heliski areas.

 

A-Star Helicopter
This single jet-engine helicopter, manufactured by Eurocopter, is similar in performance to the Bell 407. Whistler Heli-Skiing will be using this helicopter to fly skiers and boarders who have booked the Ultimate Excursion package. The A-Star can carry groups of 4 or 5 skiers and boarders, plus the guide and the pilot. It will also be available for groups of skiers or boarders who wish to have their own private heli-skiing experience.

All heli-adventures are lead by a professional, certified heli-ski guide and include the use of avalanche transceiver and powder ski tracers, on–mountain lunch and return ground transportation from Whistler Village. The Packages vary depending on what type of backcountry eperience you want to have. The classic experience which consits of three runs and cost $695.00cdn. is ideal for intermediate boarders and skiers. If you are more adventurous then private packages can be set up ranging up to $7000.00cdn for a group.

Snowboarders
Snowboarders almost always do better in the powder snow with a longer, wider, and softer snowboard. Short carving boards and long narrow racing boards are not suitable for heli-boarding. Your snowboard should come up at least to your nose. We have Burton powder snowboards available for rent at the Powder Hut. Discuss your equipment needs with our tech. If you have a specialized binding, it can usually be transferred to a Burton powder snowboard.

 

Skiers
Your heli-ski day will be a lot more fun with the right ski equipment. Powder skis are wider under the boot than most other skis, and generally shorter than regular ski area skis. The Rossignol "XXX Bandit" powder ski is designed for expert skiers, and the Rossignol "Axiom" is suitable for advanced and intermediate skiers. Your own "shaped skis" (not parabolic or racing skis) are really suitable only if you are a very experienced powder or heli-skier. In very deep powder or tricky snow, true powder skis make a huge difference. Talk to our ski tech at the Powder Hut for good advice on equipment. Please bring your own ski poles and ski boots, which can easily be fitted to our rental skis.

 

Rental Equipment
Powder skis and powder snowboards are available for rent until 7:30 pm the evening prior to your ski date, at the Powder Hut. Our qualified technician will assist you in selecting the right equipment for your ability and the current snow conditions.

 

Other Gear
We will provide each person with an avalanche transceiver, and skiers will be provided with "powder cords" or "ski tracers". Your guide will explain the use of these items. Whistler Heli-Skiing is occasionally asked by clients if they may bring their "avalanche balloons" or "ABS". At this time the gas canister that is part of the apparatus is classified as a hazardous good by Transport Canada, and is not certified to be carried within the same helicopter as passengers. The canisters may also be prohibited by airlines and customs.

• • Whistler Heli Skiing Ltd.
    The Crystal Lodge, #3 - 4241 Village Stroll, Box 368
    Whistler/ Blackcomb, British Columbia, BC V0N 1B0
    
  • visit website
    
• • Phone: 604-932-4105
    
  • Fax: 604-938-1225
    
  • Toll Free: 1-888-HELISKI (435-4754)
    
  • Email: heliski@direct.ca